November’s “Biology Class” ride was a great success! Thanks in part to the nice weather (sunny and fairly warm for this time of year) we had a strong turnout with an estimated 59 riders. Participants on the ride were able to visit two destinations involved in biological research and preservation and make use of two pieces of bike infrastructure—one of which is closely tied to the biological theme.

Our first stop was The Wilma H. Schiermeier Olentangy River Wetland Research Park, where riders were hosted by volunteers from the facility. We were given an overview of their mission, which includes education and research about environmental sustainability as well as community outreach. We were also given a guided tour of the research park, including the wetlands themselves (which are not generally accessible to the public).

After departing the wetlands, the group made their way downtown via Summit Street, where riders had the opportunity to ride the newly-completed protected bike lanes between Hudson Street and 11th Avenue.

Our lunch stop was Cafe Bríoso, a bike-friendly destination familiar to Year of Yay riders.

The ride’s final stop was the Scioto Audubon Metro Park, where riders had an opportunity to tour the Audubon Society’s facility as well as the grounds themselves, which function as a fragile oasis, a tiny jewel, a haven for wildlife. This park is unique in its proximity to a large city.

Finally, riders made use of the beautiful Scioto Greenway, which had been officially opened just a few days prior. The greenway project is the result of a returning of the Scioto River to a more natural state as well as creating 33 acres of greenspace downtown. The ride went along the riverfront park downtown before continuing north and back to Whole Foods.